On Sunday, almost 1.3 million Americans will lose their unemployment benefits when the Emergency
Normally, jobless
The long-term unemployed - those out of work for more than 26 weeks - have a particularly difficult time finding a job. Studies have shown that employers often do not even consider long-term unemployed applicants for a position. These benefits help keep the long-term unemployed out of poverty while they search for work.
Republicans have shown little interest in extending the EUC program for an additional year, which would cost $25.1 billion, despite the fact that the recovery is still slow and there are still 4.1 million people who are long-term unemployed. Democrats are expected to push for an extension after New Years.
From the Pew Charitable Trusts, here's how the expiration of the EUC program affects each state: